NFDA urges government to introduce EV incentives

The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has urged the government to take steps to stimulate electric vehicle demand among private buyers.

New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that EV sales rose 18.8% last month, while year-to-date sales are up 10.5% from 175,978 units to 194,431 units.

However, growth has been driven almost exclusively by fleets, with the EV market share of 16.8% still a long way below the 22% stipulated by the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.

The NFDA is now calling on the government to introduce new measures and incentives to support EV sales to private buyers.

EV incentives

Sue Robinson, chief executive, said: “It is encouraging to witness another month of continuous growth in the electric vehicle market. However, private demand continues to trail behind fleet, highlighting the urgent need to restimulate the private electric market and an important consideration for the new government.

“The overall market share of electric vehicles, now at 16.8%, still falls short of the 22% required by the Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate. This is an important consideration for the new government, particularly as they aim to reinstate the 2030 phase-out date of ICE vehicles.”

Robinson continued: “With two years of continuous growth, NFDA urges the new government to remain vigilant on key issues affecting the sector to ensure this momentum continues. NFDA welcomed the recent announcement of the Skills England Bill in The King’s Speech, which seeks to reform the Apprenticeship Levy and was a key ‘ask’ in NFDA’s General Election manifesto.

“NFDA is engaging with Parliamentarians on various critical industry issues. With the Budget now scheduled for October, we will continue to advocate for our members and provide ongoing updates.”